Home Solar Panels - The Basics

Looking for electricity saving tips? Home solar panels have quickly become the new trend for homeowners around Australia. This is mainly due to the increase in electricity prices and the cost of living in Australia.To date, there have been over 1.25 million solar power installations across the seven states, with hot spots in all of the major cities.

Believe it or not, the technology behind solar power isn’t that new. In fact, not much has changed with solar power technology in the past 50 years, but while solar panel technology has not changed, other factors have – the first one being the affordability of solar and the price of solar panels and components. We have ourselves to thank for this, as it is a direct result of the recent international acceptance of solar power and other renewable energy technologies. These days it’s known as the 21st century solar boom, or as others may call it, the 21st century solar coaster.

What caused the solar boom?

The acceptance and recognition of global warming, now known as climate change.

Yes, climate change is one theory that explains the solar boom. Another one that is hard to miss is the rising cost of electricity in Australia. The exponential demand for energy neared its limits in the 21st century, forcing the Earth’s population as a whole to source more affordable alternatives to fossil fuel. This was great for the solar power industry, as it led to the injection of billions of dollars into the development, growth, and sustainability of solar panel technology.

Is peaking energy demand and dependence only to blame? Of course not!

Come on guys! We can’t sweep climate change under the rug. I’m not going to get into the opinionated topic now however you can see my thoughts from time to time in the articles I publish.

The home solar panels boom in Australia continues with over 800 MW of solar panels installed each year.

Home solar panel prices in Australia

The high demand for home solar panels has played a big role in the reduction of solar PV system prices both onshore and internationally. The cash injection to the renewable energy industry has funded the research and development of solar power technologies leading to an increase in the solar panels efficiency.

The price of electricity in Australia shows no sign of decline, unlike the cost of solar panels.

Electricity Saving Tips

High electricity costs have driven solar panel prices down. This is not because of subsidies and financial incentives. The decline in the cost to install solar panels for home is a result of the heightening demand caused by the high prices of electricity.

But why does the cost of power continue to rise? Again, this is another topic that you can read more about in our newsroom. Or you can watch this 5 minute YouTube video produced by The Undercurrent

To tackle this financial burden, here are a number of things that you can do around the home:

Use less electricity around the home

Review your current electricity retailer

Disconnect your air-conditioner and heater. (ha! not likely)

Purchase more energy efficient appliances for your home

Install rooftop solar panels

All of the above options will result in a reduction of your electricity bill. Buying solar panels for your home is by far the best option to overcome the financial burden.

How do solar panels work?

Solar Panels are designed to capture the sun’s ultraviolet rays and generate a DC (Direct Current) before being converted to an AC (Alternating Current). This phenomenon happens thanks to the solar inverter. For residential solar installations, inverters are mounted on a wall next to the power box, or for extra security, in the garage or laundry.

For those who, like most of my friends and family, do not know what DC or AC means, allow me to simplify it for you. DC is an unsafe current of electricity, and AC is a safe current of electricity. AC is what all homes, offices, and workplaces use for everyday appliances such as fridges, radios, computers, and phone chargers. In fact, pretty much everything that plugs into the wall needs AC power. A lot of appliances can transfer AC back to a DC, however the voltage is a lot lower and therefore safer with AC power.

Why buy solar panels for your home?

How do you know what size solar power system you need? Or how much money to spend, how many solar panels are needed, and who you can trust to provide you with independent and reliable information?

That’s where we come in!

We have put together an easy-to-read solar power buyer’s guide that covers everything you will need to know for your journey to free solar power. Browse through our website and become familiar, while you wait for your free solar panel quotes.

Save money with home solar panels today!

Solar panel buyer’s guide

Before you jump into it, we recommend that you take the time to learn the basics on solar power for your home. You can do this here with our free solar panels for home buyers guide.

In this free guide, you will learn everything that you need to know about buying solar panels for your home. The topics we cover include:

How rooftop solar panels work

Different solar technologies and what is right for your home

Solar panel costs, financial incentives and return on investment

How the solar panels are installed and why

What to look for when you choose a solar company

Although solar power systems are well-known and widely used across Australia, the industry isn’t seamless. I’d like to think that the country has moved past the teething period, however with the introduction of new technologies, brands and additional services, there are always going to be areas for improvement and change..

Rest assured, our role in the home solar panels market does more than assist home owners that have decided to buy solar panels. It’s our unbiased information that creates demand for our service and our team are constantly researching, monitoring, networking and communicating with professionals from around the world so that we can deliver the most up to date information and important industry news topics every day via our website newsroom and our social media network.

If you have any questions, by all means, contact us either by phone, email or social media. We’re here to help.

Before you choose a solar panel installer, you need to ask yourself:

How much can you afford?

What do you expect out of your new solar power system?

Will you pay upfront or choose a solar leasing or payment plan?

Do you want the best solar power system money can buy, or are you happy with a cheap system?